Alexandra Ramirez
That was our top criteria for selecting the best dog bed.
The dogbed4less orthopedic model scored high marks in all categories, and is our top pick for our puppies and pooches.
1. dogbed4less Orthopedic
Best Overall Dog Bed
5/5 Product Rating
This premium, extra large orthopedic memory foam pet dog bed does all of those things for your dog.
The 100% therapeutic memory foam pad measures 40” x 35” and is a full 4” thick. It has a waterproof internal zipper cover and the outside is made from a durable denim cover that can be washed easily in the washer and dried too.
The hidden zipper design is improved for long lasting use and sturdiness. If your dog is allergic to synthetic fabric, the denim will keep them from suffering because it is 100% cotton.
The 3.2 pound, high density foam that is used for these dog beds never loses its shape so your dog will have it for years to come and get the same benefits from it year after year. Other low density, foam beds break down after daily use and stop providing those benefits. This bed is especially good for senior dogs that may be suffering from arthritis and other joint issues such as dysplasia.
The memory foam used for this bed is bacteria, mold and mildew resistant and also resists dust mites. It will support a dog up to 160 pounds so it can even be used for a large breed dog as well.
– Jennifer Abel
2. Big Barker
Best Bed for Large Dogs
4.8/5 Product Rating
If you do find one large enough, it may not have the support your large/extra large dogs need.
The Big Barker pillow top orthopedic dog bed has a 7” pillow top for maximum comfort for your large dog. You won’t have to worry about this bed flattening out after your dog has used it for awhile.
Each Big Barker bed is made with a combination of 2” of H10 comfort foam, 3” middle layer of H45 support foam and then 2” if H10 comfort foam. This dog bed is made better than some pieces of regular furniture! Your dog will love the softness which is just like velvet.
The cover comes off easily by unzipping and can be washed in the washing machine. You dog will not sink way down into the dog bed and not be able to comfortably get up. The Big Barker will support every inch of your large dog’s body for excellent sleep and comfort.
The company guarantees that the Big Barker will retain 90% of its original shape and support for the next 19 years or they will return your money. Ten Years! That is a guarantee that shows just how much this company stands behind the quality of their products.
This bed will help your large breed dog sleep better and wake up more refreshed and with less pain. It is perfect for dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis. It comes in large, extra large and giant so all of your large breeds are covered.
– Jennifer Abel
3. Armarkat
Best Budget Dog Bed
4.7/5 Product Rating
The waterproof lining helps prevent the foam from getting damp and ruined. It has a non skid base so the dog doesn’t slip getting on to or off of the bed.
The burgundy and ivory, machine washable cover is filled with extra thick, 100% polyfill which will provide your dog with all kinds of comfort.
It measures 49” x 35” and is a full 8” thick. Other smaller sizes are available. The cover is made from heavy canvas and is durable and long lasting. The zippered opening makes it super easy to clean up, just unzip, remove the cover and wash it and it’s like new again.
This is a great bed for your dog to get some excellent rest on. It can be used for a medium to large dog and even small dogs may love this bed as it gives them plenty of room to stretch out. The burgundy and ivory cover goes with pretty much any décor and will look just fine wherever you want to keep the bed for your pet to sleep on. It is a great way to show your dog you care.
– Jennifer Abel
Dog Bed Buying Guide
Why is it a Good Idea to Buy Your Dog a Dog Bed?
Many dog owners end up with their dogs sleeping on their beds. While this may seem like a great idea when the dog is a puppy, there are actually many reasons why a dog should have their own bed to sleep on rather than sleeping on their owner’s bed or the children’s bed.
- Interrupts the sleep of the bed owner – Whether it’s you or your children’s bed that the family dog (or dogs) is sharing, having them sprawled out on the bed can interrupt your sleep and cause you to not get enough rest. This is especially true if the dog is a large one and takes up a lot of room. Everyone needs to be able to get a good night’s sleep and that includes your dog, but they need to do it in their own bed.
- Can spread fleas to the bed – Fleas are a common problem with dogs, especially in the summertime. When your dog sleeps in the bed with you, even if it’s at the foot of the bed, fleas will jump off the dog and onto your bed. By having the dog sleep in its own dog bed, you will reduce the chances of fleas being in your bed where they can bite and irritate you.
- Gets Your Bed Dirty or Smelly – Dogs play outside and when they come inside and jump on your bed, they bring whatever they have on their feet right into your bed as well. This can include mud, dirt pests like fleas and ticks and odors from rolling and digging outside. Even though you can wash your own sheets, having them smell fresh and clean when a dog sleeps on them regularly is a rarity.
- Gives them a Place to Unwind and get Away – Even dogs need their space and having a place to go to unwind is beneficial for your dog in many ways. Don’t allow children to play on the dog’s bed and give them that place to go where they can just flop down and recharge and relax without being messed with. They will love their dog bed and love that when they lay on it, they can truly sleep and relax.
- Can Increase Allergies – If anyone has allergies in your home, chances are you do not want them to sleep on the bed of that person due to those allergies. Even if the person isn’t specifically allergic to dogs it can increase allergies due to dust, mites and dander. Keeping the dogs off of your bed means a healthier sleep.
Choosing the Right Size?
There are several factors involved in choosing the right size dog bed. These are the things that you need to know before you start shopping and will determine which bed will be the most comfortable for your dog. Dog beds come in many different sizes from extra small to giant. They also have weight recommendations listed in the descriptions as well, which is why it is important to know these stats on your own dog.
- Measure and Weigh Your Dog – You need to know how much your dog weighs and how long they are so you can choose the right bed. Weighing is relatively easy unless you have a super large breed dog. When determining their length, you want to measure them lying on their side stretched out comfortably. Neither end of the dog should hang off the dog bed.
- What is Their Favorite Sleep Position? – Dogs have favorite sleep positions just like humans do. What position do you notice your dog sleeping in the most? Do they like to stretch out? Sleep curled up in a ball? Do they sleep on their backs with their feet in the air? Knowing the positions your dog prefers to sleep in will help you choose the right style of dog bed as well as the right size.
Below we have listed out the standard sizes that dog beds are available in and the pet sizes and breeds that are usually best suited for that particular dog bed.
Extra Small
Usually measures 16”x21” rectangular or 30-36” in diameter if round. This size bed is perfect for the miniature and small breeds that weigh less than 20 pounds. Breeds that will fall into this category will include: Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Pekingese, Pomeranians, and other toy breeds.
Small
Measures 18”x23” rectangular and 30” -36” in diameter if it’s a round bed. This size is the perfect size for breeds that are 20-25 pounds. Breeds included in that weight range include: Boston terriers, Scottish Terriers, Dachshunds, Pugs, Shetland Sheepdogs, Shih Tzu, and Whippets.
Medium
Measures 21”x28” when rectangular and 36” – 45” in diameter if you choose a medium round bed. Medium dog beds are great for dogs in the 25-45 pounds and include breeds such as: Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, French Bulldogs and Beagles.
Large
Most Large dog beds measure 24”x36” in the rectangular shape and 45”-52” in diameter for round beds. Large dog beds can usually handle dogs that weigh in the 45 to 70 pound range. If you have a Basset Hound, Boxer, Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Collie, Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setter, Greyhound, Pointer, Husky, or Standard Poodle, a large bed will usually be plenty large enough for them to stretch out and sleep comfortably.
Extra Large
Extra large dog beds are just that…extra large. They usually measure 28”x43” and up for rectangular and a round extra large dog bed will typically measure over 52” in diameter. Your extra large breeds that do well on the extra large dog beds include dogs that weigh over 70 pounds. Breeds in this group include: Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhounds, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, and Weimaraners.
Types
There are many different types of dog beds on the market. We’ve outlined the most common styles so you can tell the difference between them. Each style has its benefits and drawbacks, so the best idea is to find the style and size that works the best for the needs you and your dog have.
The Standard Dog Bed
Standard dog beds look like big square pillows. They come in many different sizes and some may have a zipper cover for easy washing which is a plus since dogs can be notoriously messy. There are no “edges” to the standard pillow which makes them a good choice for dogs that like to stretch out.
Nest Style Dog Beds
These types of dog beds are perfect for the dog that loves to curl up when they sleep due to the raised walls that surround the perimeter of the bed. If you find your dog does better when in an enclosed area, these dog beds will be the perfect choice. They are typically oval instead of perfectly round which provides more space inside the “nest”. Unless the dog is much smaller than the nest bed, this is not a good choice for a dog that likes to stretch out or lay on their side.
Orthopedic Beds
Senior dogs can really benefit from orthopedic beds. An orthopedic dog bed is much like an orthopedic human bed. They are designed to help ease the ache they might have in their joints from arthritis or dysplasia. Most orthopedic beds are made from memory foam just like the human beds are. Memory foam beds are not only for senior dogs and starting your dog out on one can be great for them long term. If you do opt to get a memory foam bed be sure to get one that is made from high density foam with plenty of thickness and a great warranty that guards against flattening.
Dog Couch
If your dog seems to prefer the “human” furniture instead of their own bed, you might be interested in getting a dog couch. These sweet pieces of furniture look just like the real things and are sized for dogs rather than humans although the children might love them! There are many different styles of dog couches on the market, from simple cushion styles to couches with wooden legs and pillows. They are not typically a good idea for senior dogs since they are harder to get onto and can result in a fall.
Kennel or Crate Beds
Crate training is much more popular now than it was decades ago and many dogs love to sleep in their crates and go their willingly, even when the door is left open. There are beds available that fit right into the dog crates and keep the dog from sleeping on the hard surface. These kennel or crate beds can have water resistant material and make their crates even more special to them.
Conclusion
Finding the right dog bed for your dog or dogs does not have to be frustrating and difficult. Much of the choice will be pre made for you simply based on the weight and size of the dog as well as how they sleep. If you own a side sleeper that loves to stretch out you will eliminate the beds with walls or raised edges.
With the information you have read in the buyer’s guide you know the sizes, standard measurements and types of dog beds that are on the market. Now you can shop with confidence and know that the bed you choose will be the one that your dog will get a lot of use and enjoyment from.
Resources
- Premium Ortho Bed – http://www.dogbed4less.com/memory-pad-denim.html
- Big Barker – https://bigbarker.com/
- Armarkat – http://www.armarkat.com/extra-large-dog-mat-m02hjh-mb-x/
